I want to take this time to say thank you to all those who have been following this story and to all those who have given their time, money, and prayers to support the Chatham family.
It has been a blessing and honor to reach out and help. Our time knowing Richard was short but he taught us much by his strength and courage. I look forward to seeing him again in heaven.
Life's journey will never be easy but it is to be a learning and growing experience.
May his faith and hope in God be a witness to us all as we face what tomorrow brings.
Praise be to God in all things. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
November 23, 2009
I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that Richard passed away today. His fight has ended but the battle continues on for Andrea and Kayla, they now have to continue on in this world without a husband and father. Please pray for the family.
There will be a memorial held in Richard's honor this Saturday the 28th at 3:00pm, it will be located at Advent Hope, 428 N.E. 3rd ave in Crystal River.
Please come and help encourage Andrea, Kayla and their family through this time.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
There will be a memorial held in Richard's honor this Saturday the 28th at 3:00pm, it will be located at Advent Hope, 428 N.E. 3rd ave in Crystal River.
Please come and help encourage Andrea, Kayla and their family through this time.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
November 1, 2009
Hi everyone,
Things look good for the Chatham's to be moving into a "new" place this week.
As of today we have reached the amount needed to get them into a clean safe home,
though they still have outstanding bills and expenses.
We have worked out the lease and payment for 6 months for them. This would not be possible if it were not for all the donations and generous people that contributed. Thanks to all those who are giving even when times are tough for all.
We have some items that we need to collect for the family.
Dressers
bed for Kayla
bookshelves
end tables
If you know of anyone who could donate these items we can pick them up and deliver it to them.
Thank you for your continued support.
Luke 13:15-16 tells us that we should also not be hypocrites. You cannot pick and choose when you will help your brother. When God places the needy before us, we are obligated to help them.
Things look good for the Chatham's to be moving into a "new" place this week.
As of today we have reached the amount needed to get them into a clean safe home,
though they still have outstanding bills and expenses.
We have worked out the lease and payment for 6 months for them. This would not be possible if it were not for all the donations and generous people that contributed. Thanks to all those who are giving even when times are tough for all.
We have some items that we need to collect for the family.
Dressers
bed for Kayla
bookshelves
end tables
If you know of anyone who could donate these items we can pick them up and deliver it to them.
Thank you for your continued support.
Luke 13:15-16 tells us that we should also not be hypocrites. You cannot pick and choose when you will help your brother. When God places the needy before us, we are obligated to help them.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Financial Update
Wow it has been a week since we were on our ride, I miss the open road, meeting different people, seeing new places, it was really exciting to be on a journey that brought us to places I have never been. But, unfortunately, reality kicks in and there's bills to pay, jobs that must be completed and the usual life stuff.
Here's a little financial update, we have raised approx. $2000.00 so far (still waiting for total from our treasurer) But we need about another $1500.00 to get them into a safer, cleaner place. We have found a real nice place in town and I have negotiated with the Landlords to drop the rent by $50 a month if I come up with 6 months in advance (550 down to 500). So that's where I need your help. I noticed an email circulating today that asked all the recipients to give $25 each, that has been working. I noticed about 6-8 people have already given. So please think, pray and act. I will be calling the landlord soon to settle things (if the funds are available)
If we do get this place there will be other needs, linens, furniture, help moving ..etc..
So I will keep you all informed.
I want to Thank Mary (I know it was you) in Crystal River for all your help, you have encouraged and blessed us more than you know!!!
I also want to thank Sue, I will be there mon. at 8am, you were a big help today and gave hope in the "system" .
stay tuned for more updates,
Tracy
Here's a little financial update, we have raised approx. $2000.00 so far (still waiting for total from our treasurer) But we need about another $1500.00 to get them into a safer, cleaner place. We have found a real nice place in town and I have negotiated with the Landlords to drop the rent by $50 a month if I come up with 6 months in advance (550 down to 500). So that's where I need your help. I noticed an email circulating today that asked all the recipients to give $25 each, that has been working. I noticed about 6-8 people have already given. So please think, pray and act. I will be calling the landlord soon to settle things (if the funds are available)
If we do get this place there will be other needs, linens, furniture, help moving ..etc..
So I will keep you all informed.
I want to Thank Mary (I know it was you) in Crystal River for all your help, you have encouraged and blessed us more than you know!!!
I also want to thank Sue, I will be there mon. at 8am, you were a big help today and gave hope in the "system" .
stay tuned for more updates,
Tracy
October 30, 2009
Hello everyone,
We want to keep giving updates as to what is happening even
though the big bike ride is ended.
Richard is into the second week on this round of chemo and things
are really rough for him.
The pain is taking all of his strength and concentration. He is having difficulty with some of his organs and functions. Please continue your prayers.
Along with his physical struggles Richard and Andrea continue to be
burdened with mounting bills and expenses.
This week we have searched for an acceptable and livable dwelling.
I am humbled yet honored to witness the generosity of people that
have reached out and supported the effort to help this family.
They are so thankful for all of you and your graciousness.
I am grateful for your care and concern and will continue to be a voice for them.
Please feel free to comment, ask questions, or give notes of encouragement. it is our goal to help people and be what God would have us to be.
Thank you over and over,
Beth
We want to keep giving updates as to what is happening even
though the big bike ride is ended.
Richard is into the second week on this round of chemo and things
are really rough for him.
The pain is taking all of his strength and concentration. He is having difficulty with some of his organs and functions. Please continue your prayers.
Along with his physical struggles Richard and Andrea continue to be
burdened with mounting bills and expenses.
This week we have searched for an acceptable and livable dwelling.
I am humbled yet honored to witness the generosity of people that
have reached out and supported the effort to help this family.
They are so thankful for all of you and your graciousness.
I am grateful for your care and concern and will continue to be a voice for them.
Please feel free to comment, ask questions, or give notes of encouragement. it is our goal to help people and be what God would have us to be.
Thank you over and over,
Beth
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Day 9& 10 Oct. 25, 2009
Wow, where do I even begin? First I want to say it's nice to be able to type this blog on a computer bigger than the size of a napkin, I can actually read the keyboard.
Mike thanks for your comment yesterday, we were busy so I didn't have a chance to respond.
But here is my explanation for a lack of a blog yesterday.
Those of you that have been following us know that we stopped riding early on friday,after about 54 miles. We needed rest and wanted to regroup our thoughts. When we stopped we just happened to be across from a really nice bike shop who supplied us with a La. state bicycle map
which would have been nice to have(if we knew it existed) a few days ago. We discovered that the route we were on for the rest of the ride would be much of the same that we had experienced for the last 40-50 miles, yes it had 4' shoulders(they call them bike lanes) but all it really was is loose gravel, there is absolutely no way that you could ride a bike on it. The traffic on the roads I would compare to hwy 19 with speeds in excess of 55mph, it becomes very stressful riding out there, escpecially with some(more of the minority) drivers yelling or beeping at you to get out of the way with no where to go. So to make a long story shorter, when Jerry and I got up Saturday morning (with every intention of riding) we went and got a bite to eat, and started talking about what lies ahead, and that's when we both decided it would be safer to end the ride now on a safe and positive note than to try and venture on.
I can only speak for myself but with that decision came relief (road conditions) but a little sadness also(the ride was over). The journey was AWESOME with no regrets, God allowed Jerry and I to be used for the good of another family. We got to meet a lot of nice people along the way, we learned what it is like to have no energy and have God place someone in your path at the right moment to encourage you, isn't that what we should be doing in our lives everyday? Looking for that someone who needs a pick me up.
I will continue to add blogs for the next few days, although the ride is over for Jerry and I, the battle continues for Richard(and his family). I heard that Richard is doing poorly as of saturday.
I heard that his bowels have shut down and he is in constant agony, I wonder if God just wanted me back here to be with a friend who is hurting? I will be seeing him today and let you all know what I find out.
I want to thank each and every single one of you for your prayers, your financial contributions to the Chathams, and for your encouragement.
Richard's, Andreas and Kayla's needs dont end when the ride ends. So please continue to help.
One last note for today, Jerry and I are already talking about continuing our ride next year so if any of you want to go for a ride let us know!!
OK one more last note, if anyone is interested in hearing about our journey(we have pics. too)
call me(tracy 352-586-7621) we would love to share this adventure>
With lots of love,
Tracy & Jerry
Friday, October 23, 2009
Day 8 Oct 23, 2009
First I need to make a correction, I posted yesterday that we stayed with Pastor Robert and Holly, well I was wrong it was Dolly(as in Pardon) not Holly(as in wood), sorry guys!
Today was a rough day I think the last 2 long days caught up to us. By the time we had 30miles in we were both exhausted we decided to call it quits at about 54 miles. We are staying in the town of Covington, La. which just happens to be having a soccer tournament this weekend and most of the hotel rooms were booked so forget about getting a deal. We are trying to find a campground for sun or mon night ti try out our new tents. We have been telling everyone about our mission and handing out the business cards, so it's in God's hand to see what happens.
Update on yesterday we got to go through Pascagoula and took a picture of the First Baptist Church(you know the one- where the squirrel went bazerk).
Kind of felt cheated when we got to La. today, there was no "Welcome To Louisana" sign guess we will have to turn the other way when we get to Texas and take a pic. of the sign there.
We have about 260 miles left, should be 4 more days.
I am about to attempt adding pics. to the blog so if you see them I was sucessful, if you dont I will show them to you when we get back.
Jerry is staring at the La. bike route map which seems to have absolutely no bike routes where we are but it does say we will have 4' shoulders.
Please pray for Richard, Andrea and Kayla and also that Jerry and I will continue on safely.
Until tomorrow,
Tracy and Jerry
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Day 7 Oct. 22, 2009
Where do I begin tonight? Well we started out the day with every intention of a shorter day.
I really thought 60-65 miles would be good and I had mentally prepared myself for that distance. Somehow we ended up with 90 miles yes nine, o, Let me explain why.
It all started with a phone call to Les to see if he could get us a place in Long beach,Ms. but no further than Pass Christian, 2 hours later I talk to Les and he had taken care of everything. He had put me in touch with a really nice Pastor of a church in Pass Christian, but unsuspecting to us(Jerry and I) Pastor Robert and Holly live in Waveland about another 14 miles! We made it though tired and hungry(again) and are having a wonderful time. Dinner was prepared,shepards pie(yum), salads and fruits then homemade pound cake (yum yum). We sat down and rerouted again due to the fact we have heard there is a possibility of some of our chosen routes still closed due to Katrina. better to find out know then later. We will be heading toward Hammond La which should be about 73 miles, but if there is a way I'm sure we will end up with close to 90 miles.
A super special thanks to Les, Pastor Robert and Holly for all they have done.
Till tomorrow,
Tracy and Jerry
I really thought 60-65 miles would be good and I had mentally prepared myself for that distance. Somehow we ended up with 90 miles yes nine, o, Let me explain why.
It all started with a phone call to Les to see if he could get us a place in Long beach,Ms. but no further than Pass Christian, 2 hours later I talk to Les and he had taken care of everything. He had put me in touch with a really nice Pastor of a church in Pass Christian, but unsuspecting to us(Jerry and I) Pastor Robert and Holly live in Waveland about another 14 miles! We made it though tired and hungry(again) and are having a wonderful time. Dinner was prepared,shepards pie(yum), salads and fruits then homemade pound cake (yum yum). We sat down and rerouted again due to the fact we have heard there is a possibility of some of our chosen routes still closed due to Katrina. better to find out know then later. We will be heading toward Hammond La which should be about 73 miles, but if there is a way I'm sure we will end up with close to 90 miles.
A super special thanks to Les, Pastor Robert and Holly for all they have done.
Till tomorrow,
Tracy and Jerry
Richard's condition
Hi to everyone watching this site,
Richard and Andrea send their regards. They are always asking "how are the guys doing?" and are still amazed at all the love, prayers, and support they are receiving from everyone.
Richard is on another round of chemo treatments and it brings pain to his body in waves he can bearly stand. Even through this he has a smile on his face and is always concerned for others rather than himself.
He had pneumonia but says the fluid built in his lungs has nearly diminished.
We had a great time visiting together yesterday (10/21/09) and as always his humor shines through whenever we talk. It's been a long time since he has eaten food by mouth since he is on a feeding tube and he told me how he took a bite of some food and "oh, it was so good" He went on to describe in detail how much he craved a submarine sandwich and went into complete detail of how he would put EVERY vegetable he could think of on it...lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, pickles,etc. His goal for now is to get off the feeding tube. He is doing speech therapy with Andrea and working on his swallowing skills.
He is proud of how well he is speaking and it was amazing to hear how clear his words are.
Keep them in your prayers and feel free to drop a note to encourage them. The address on the website is just one way to get a message to them.
Thanks to all,
Beth
Richard and Andrea send their regards. They are always asking "how are the guys doing?" and are still amazed at all the love, prayers, and support they are receiving from everyone.
Richard is on another round of chemo treatments and it brings pain to his body in waves he can bearly stand. Even through this he has a smile on his face and is always concerned for others rather than himself.
He had pneumonia but says the fluid built in his lungs has nearly diminished.
We had a great time visiting together yesterday (10/21/09) and as always his humor shines through whenever we talk. It's been a long time since he has eaten food by mouth since he is on a feeding tube and he told me how he took a bite of some food and "oh, it was so good" He went on to describe in detail how much he craved a submarine sandwich and went into complete detail of how he would put EVERY vegetable he could think of on it...lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, pickles,etc. His goal for now is to get off the feeding tube. He is doing speech therapy with Andrea and working on his swallowing skills.
He is proud of how well he is speaking and it was amazing to hear how clear his words are.
Keep them in your prayers and feel free to drop a note to encourage them. The address on the website is just one way to get a message to them.
Thanks to all,
Beth
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Day 6 Oct 21, 2009
Ok everybody this is going to be a quick blog tonight. (We are exhausted). The day started in Gulf Breeze fl. as we got about a mile into the ride which just happened to be about a mile over a 3 mile bridge Jerry decided to let his bike pop 3 spokes (not good at all). Jerry and I walked another mile together than I went ahead in search of a bike shop for repair. called Truley Spokes of Pensacola they were so nice, he came and picked us both up and repaired the bike we were back on the road by 10am. Changed route to hwy90 I really enjoyed the hills of AL. but Jerry's knee wasn't aqs excited. Got into Mobile at 5pm and found Hotel about 6pm. Sorry to cut it short tonight I will try to catch you all up tomorrow night. Thanks for the prayers and support.
Tracy and Jerry
Tracy and Jerry
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Day 5 Oct 20, 2009
87, that is the number of miles we rode today.I knew it was going to be a good day when we only got 2 miles into the ride and we found this great little roadside handmade donut shop, they have the best chocolate honey dipped donuts I have had in a long time. ( they must use lard or something/ dont ask dont tell).
The ride was fast we were cruising 16-20 mph felt real good to move along aafter the first couple of days.Went down 98 through miramar beach into Destin (Thanks to Robin's Bike Shop for the use of a tire pump) Left Destin almost got into Ft. Walton Beach when Jerry decided to do a road side adjustment and broke the bolt that holds his seat onto the bike, well Jerry had to spend the next couple of miles standing on his pedals, that did not look fun at all. Found a surf shop in Ft. Walton that helped with the repairs (Thank you guys!) We got back into the swing of things to Navarre, we took Rte 399 that was a great little road, bike friendly and scenic. Went through a 7 mile section of sand dunes and ended up in Pensacola Beach. Our good friend Les had made arrangements with the methodist church and they got us a motel room. I want to thank Gail for her hospitality and the church for there generousity. I would like to dedicate tomorrows ride not only to Richard but to Gail for the touching story she shared with us about Craig.
Our plans for tomorrow have changed, we were suppose to ride down to Dauphne Island and take the ft. morgan ferry ( we were both looking forward to this). But the ferry is closed for 3 days for maintenance. Bummer, but I am sure God has something else in mind.
Jerry is resting comfortably with his bright red farmers tan. He says hi and keep up the comments, if you haven't commented yet you better soon.
My lovely bride, whom I could not being doing this without her love and support, will be posting a blog on Richard's condition.
Thanks for all your support.
Tracy
The ride was fast we were cruising 16-20 mph felt real good to move along aafter the first couple of days.Went down 98 through miramar beach into Destin (Thanks to Robin's Bike Shop for the use of a tire pump) Left Destin almost got into Ft. Walton Beach when Jerry decided to do a road side adjustment and broke the bolt that holds his seat onto the bike, well Jerry had to spend the next couple of miles standing on his pedals, that did not look fun at all. Found a surf shop in Ft. Walton that helped with the repairs (Thank you guys!) We got back into the swing of things to Navarre, we took Rte 399 that was a great little road, bike friendly and scenic. Went through a 7 mile section of sand dunes and ended up in Pensacola Beach. Our good friend Les had made arrangements with the methodist church and they got us a motel room. I want to thank Gail for her hospitality and the church for there generousity. I would like to dedicate tomorrows ride not only to Richard but to Gail for the touching story she shared with us about Craig.
Our plans for tomorrow have changed, we were suppose to ride down to Dauphne Island and take the ft. morgan ferry ( we were both looking forward to this). But the ferry is closed for 3 days for maintenance. Bummer, but I am sure God has something else in mind.
Jerry is resting comfortably with his bright red farmers tan. He says hi and keep up the comments, if you haven't commented yet you better soon.
My lovely bride, whom I could not being doing this without her love and support, will be posting a blog on Richard's condition.
Thanks for all your support.
Tracy
Monday, October 19, 2009
Day 4 Oct. 19, 2009
Wow what a day! It all started when we were in the doorway of our hotel room this morning.
I had just finished praying that we would meet people today to share our story with and the next thing I know Bill and Pat were standing in our doorway. We started talking about our adventure and the reason for it than Bill shared with us about a friend of his who has cancer. We also found out that Bill has gone cross country on his bicycle, Him and Pat are both bicyclist who enjoy riding.
We left Apilachicola and headed west on 98 for 23 miles without seeing anything but forest on both sides, got to Port St. Joe which I believe is one of the prettiest little towns we have rode through, beautiful plantation style homes on large lots, gorgeous views of the gulf. If anyone is contemplating moving to the coast check this little town out.
We headed for mexico beach that was loaded with condos and houses for sale and rent, pretty place probably one of the nicest places to vacation ( not very touristy). We headed west and north toward Panama City, there was a stretch of road that seem to be about 200 miles(actually it was about 10 miles) we were getting tired and hungry when out of nowhere we see a cyclist coming the other way, she pulled into our lane and we stopped and talked. Her name was Linda and she was on day 74 of her cross country ride. To read about her journey go to www.crazyguyonabike.com/globetrotter (Linda's Epic Journey) She will be posting on her site about Richard's Ride. It was extremely encouraging to meet a fellow rider.Ride on Linda!!
I have to be truthful about Panama City, the roads sucked! No bike lane and traffic everywhere
Hwy 98 in Panama City Beach was even worse, although they had a bike lane people were travelling 70mph right next to you.
Next amazing story: we got a room just east of Laguna Beach at the Palmetto, while we were sitting in the hot tub we met a real nice guy named Stacey , we shared with him what we were doing and he said he would donate to the website, now heres the amazing part as we were leaving to go back to our room I heard Stacey call our names and ran over and put some folded bills in my hand and told Jerry and I to eat very well . What a blessing, Thanks Stacey, by the way he handed me the same amount that the hotel room had cost us!!!
Well I'm signing off for the night we are both pretty tired rode about 77 miles with never ending wind (at least not a straight on headwind). Thanks for the comments, we look forward to reading them so keep them coming. Jerry says Hi and thanks you all for being there for us.
Tracy
I had just finished praying that we would meet people today to share our story with and the next thing I know Bill and Pat were standing in our doorway. We started talking about our adventure and the reason for it than Bill shared with us about a friend of his who has cancer. We also found out that Bill has gone cross country on his bicycle, Him and Pat are both bicyclist who enjoy riding.
We left Apilachicola and headed west on 98 for 23 miles without seeing anything but forest on both sides, got to Port St. Joe which I believe is one of the prettiest little towns we have rode through, beautiful plantation style homes on large lots, gorgeous views of the gulf. If anyone is contemplating moving to the coast check this little town out.
We headed for mexico beach that was loaded with condos and houses for sale and rent, pretty place probably one of the nicest places to vacation ( not very touristy). We headed west and north toward Panama City, there was a stretch of road that seem to be about 200 miles(actually it was about 10 miles) we were getting tired and hungry when out of nowhere we see a cyclist coming the other way, she pulled into our lane and we stopped and talked. Her name was Linda and she was on day 74 of her cross country ride. To read about her journey go to www.crazyguyonabike.com/globetrotter (Linda's Epic Journey) She will be posting on her site about Richard's Ride. It was extremely encouraging to meet a fellow rider.Ride on Linda!!
I have to be truthful about Panama City, the roads sucked! No bike lane and traffic everywhere
Hwy 98 in Panama City Beach was even worse, although they had a bike lane people were travelling 70mph right next to you.
Next amazing story: we got a room just east of Laguna Beach at the Palmetto, while we were sitting in the hot tub we met a real nice guy named Stacey , we shared with him what we were doing and he said he would donate to the website, now heres the amazing part as we were leaving to go back to our room I heard Stacey call our names and ran over and put some folded bills in my hand and told Jerry and I to eat very well . What a blessing, Thanks Stacey, by the way he handed me the same amount that the hotel room had cost us!!!
Well I'm signing off for the night we are both pretty tired rode about 77 miles with never ending wind (at least not a straight on headwind). Thanks for the comments, we look forward to reading them so keep them coming. Jerry says Hi and thanks you all for being there for us.
Tracy
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Day 3 Oct. 18, 2009
Well what a difference a day makes! First thing I need to thank Brian and Patty for there hospitality,they went way beyond just giving us a place to stay. They brought us a TV, DVDs,
popcorn, hot chocolate and a few other goodies. If anyone is ever in Perry look them up.
We started in very cold weather ( Im guessing about 40) with a pretty hefty wind from behind this time. I will try to get some pics of us on this site, but we looked like 2 armed bandits with our faces covered with bandanas to protect our faces. It certainly helped! The scenery was a nice chang today from the long,long,flat roads we have been on for the last couple days. We had some nice downhills and following the contour of the coast right next to the Gulf of Mexico most of the day. We ended the day in Apalachicola, haven't had any time to check anything out but it looks like a real neat place to come and visit. We were supposed to camp out tonight but with temps. dipping back down in the low 40s we opted for the Best Westen(thank's to Wendy for the great deal she gave us). We were both desiring chinese food so we opted to walk the mile to get some (It was worth it). Jerry and I are both feeling good, a little tired at the end of the day, but not bad for 2 middle aged guys on their version of a "Wild Hog's" tour. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I haven't heard anything new about Richard but will keep you updated as when I learn anything. Jerry says and please keep the comments coming, they really do encourage us.
Tracy
popcorn, hot chocolate and a few other goodies. If anyone is ever in Perry look them up.
We started in very cold weather ( Im guessing about 40) with a pretty hefty wind from behind this time. I will try to get some pics of us on this site, but we looked like 2 armed bandits with our faces covered with bandanas to protect our faces. It certainly helped! The scenery was a nice chang today from the long,long,flat roads we have been on for the last couple days. We had some nice downhills and following the contour of the coast right next to the Gulf of Mexico most of the day. We ended the day in Apalachicola, haven't had any time to check anything out but it looks like a real neat place to come and visit. We were supposed to camp out tonight but with temps. dipping back down in the low 40s we opted for the Best Westen(thank's to Wendy for the great deal she gave us). We were both desiring chinese food so we opted to walk the mile to get some (It was worth it). Jerry and I are both feeling good, a little tired at the end of the day, but not bad for 2 middle aged guys on their version of a "Wild Hog's" tour. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I haven't heard anything new about Richard but will keep you updated as when I learn anything. Jerry says and please keep the comments coming, they really do encourage us.
Tracy
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Saturday October 17th Day 2
Left Cross City Fl. at 7:30 am. It was cloudy and very cool with about 10 mph headwinds. Went 18 miles and stopped in Tennile. After a short rest we traveled 26 more miles north to Perry. The wind picked up drastically with headwinds being between 15-20 mph. Jerry and I had to switch the lead every mile to catch a break. It got very cold and took us about three hours to make it to Perry city limits. Rode four more miles to find something to eat. We ate at Subway and had a decision to make. Should we head west to St. Marks for about fifty miles in this wind with no stops or should we call it a day in Perry. We made a few phone calls and talked to the Perry Seventh-day Adventist Church. They were wonderful! They let us stay at their church all day and fed us a bountiful feast of pastas and salad. They allowed us to set up camp in their church for the night. My life lesson for today is to persevere. Trust that God will take care of you and everything will be all right. Romans 5:1-5
Thanks for all your prayers and support,
Tracy and Jerry
p.s. I discovered rain gear works much better as a wind breaker!
Thanks for all your prayers and support,
Tracy and Jerry
p.s. I discovered rain gear works much better as a wind breaker!
Friday, October 16, 2009
First day of riding
Okay before I get started I have one question. What does it mean when your rain gear says it's breathable? I think it means it makes you sweat profusely from the inside, you see when I paid all this extra money for "breathable" stupid me thought that I might feel a little coolness or airflow through the "breathable" vents. Enough of that.
We had a great day, a little stormy looking when we left but miraculously we made it all day except for the last 5 miles without hitting a torrential downpour. God is good. We met a real nice family at lunch time in chiefland than got on the nature coast trail system where we met George Bowen (thank you george) a real nice guy who is training to go cross country in the spring.
We are spending the night in Cross City and are contemplating our route for tomorrow, we are a little worried about the head winds ( which really shouldn't be that bad as long as Jerry goes first).
Please pray for us tomorrow it will be a long day ( about 87 miles) but if the winds are to nasty we might stop a little sooner. Jerry says Hi, and wants every to say Hi to Patti because she is lonely without him. Well that's it until tomorrow.
Tracy
We had a great day, a little stormy looking when we left but miraculously we made it all day except for the last 5 miles without hitting a torrential downpour. God is good. We met a real nice family at lunch time in chiefland than got on the nature coast trail system where we met George Bowen (thank you george) a real nice guy who is training to go cross country in the spring.
We are spending the night in Cross City and are contemplating our route for tomorrow, we are a little worried about the head winds ( which really shouldn't be that bad as long as Jerry goes first).
Please pray for us tomorrow it will be a long day ( about 87 miles) but if the winds are to nasty we might stop a little sooner. Jerry says Hi, and wants every to say Hi to Patti because she is lonely without him. Well that's it until tomorrow.
Tracy
Thursday, October 15, 2009
It's the night before the big ride, and I hope that many of you will take this journey with Jerry and I. The weather looks a little unsettled, but that's what turns a typical day of riding into an adventure.
I want to share a little bit tonight about Richard, when I went to visit him on thur. he was not doing well at all, seizures have become more frequent and sickness from all the medications seems to be the norm. He shared with me that he believes his time is short and he is OK with that, his only fear is leaving Andrea and Kayla behind. I shared the hope we have in Heaven with him. When I left he looked at me with tears running down his face and said " If I dont see you when you get back I will see you in Heaven" Here is a man facing his own mortality. What is the biggest problem you have faced lately?
The ride is about Richard and raising some funds to help them through this terrible time in their lives. One of my favorite thoughts I have had lately is this: If you see someone in need and have the ability to help them but do not, where is the love?
I will not be making it a daily plea to ask for your money, but if you feel impressed, please give abundantly. You will be blessed for it.
What I will be doing daily is sharing stories from the road, you know about the people we meet, the places we have seen, the dog chasing tales, and the adventures we lived that day.
I will also be sharing updates on Richard's condition. So please join us for the next couple of weeks, you will not only be entertained but you will encourage the two of us.
Tracy
I want to share a little bit tonight about Richard, when I went to visit him on thur. he was not doing well at all, seizures have become more frequent and sickness from all the medications seems to be the norm. He shared with me that he believes his time is short and he is OK with that, his only fear is leaving Andrea and Kayla behind. I shared the hope we have in Heaven with him. When I left he looked at me with tears running down his face and said " If I dont see you when you get back I will see you in Heaven" Here is a man facing his own mortality. What is the biggest problem you have faced lately?
The ride is about Richard and raising some funds to help them through this terrible time in their lives. One of my favorite thoughts I have had lately is this: If you see someone in need and have the ability to help them but do not, where is the love?
I will not be making it a daily plea to ask for your money, but if you feel impressed, please give abundantly. You will be blessed for it.
What I will be doing daily is sharing stories from the road, you know about the people we meet, the places we have seen, the dog chasing tales, and the adventures we lived that day.
I will also be sharing updates on Richard's condition. So please join us for the next couple of weeks, you will not only be entertained but you will encourage the two of us.
Tracy
Monday, October 12, 2009
Why We Ride
I am the pastor of Advent Hope in Crystal River, Fl. and also the owner of Tracy Electric Inc. I love to ride my bicycle and I love to help people who are truly in need.
Over the past few years I have taken youth in the citrus county area trained them in the area of road bicycling and than taken them on a journey. So far we have taken trips from Beaufort S.C. to High Springs, Fl., we have also done a 350 mile tour in Virginia and in the spring of this year we did a tour of Northern and central Fl.
On Oct. 16 Jerry and I will be embarking on a journey. A self contained bicycle tour that will begin in Crystal River, we will follow the gulf coast area of Florida into Mississippi than will head a little inland through Alabama and Louisiana. Where will it end?? Our goal Is somewhere near the Texas border.
As we ride we will be providing daily updates of our adventure, we will be telling you about the people we meet, places we seen, the dogs we chased and the conditions of our tush’s and anything else we find interesting to talk about.We will also upload photo’s (when internet access is available) Wont you please join us?
Why are we doing this? As a fundraiser for a family we have come to know over the past 2 years. See Richard’ s story.
What good is it if you see someone in need and have the ability to do something about it, but do nothing. Where is your compassion? Where is your love for mankind? Has your heart grown cold.
Tracy
Also could you please donate to Richard and his family, they need it more than you can imagine. ALL the proceeds will go directly to there immediate and dire needs.
Over the past few years I have taken youth in the citrus county area trained them in the area of road bicycling and than taken them on a journey. So far we have taken trips from Beaufort S.C. to High Springs, Fl., we have also done a 350 mile tour in Virginia and in the spring of this year we did a tour of Northern and central Fl.
On Oct. 16 Jerry and I will be embarking on a journey. A self contained bicycle tour that will begin in Crystal River, we will follow the gulf coast area of Florida into Mississippi than will head a little inland through Alabama and Louisiana. Where will it end?? Our goal Is somewhere near the Texas border.
As we ride we will be providing daily updates of our adventure, we will be telling you about the people we meet, places we seen, the dogs we chased and the conditions of our tush’s and anything else we find interesting to talk about.We will also upload photo’s (when internet access is available) Wont you please join us?
Why are we doing this? As a fundraiser for a family we have come to know over the past 2 years. See Richard’ s story.
What good is it if you see someone in need and have the ability to do something about it, but do nothing. Where is your compassion? Where is your love for mankind? Has your heart grown cold.
Tracy
Also could you please donate to Richard and his family, they need it more than you can imagine. ALL the proceeds will go directly to there immediate and dire needs.
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